Previous Winners

Our thanks to the hundreds of postgraduate students who have participated in Threesis training sessions, heats and grand finales over the years. Through Threesis, researchers are supported to develop their communication skills, build confidence, and share the real‑world impact of their research with wider audiences.

Check out all past Threesis winners here

Threesis Grand Finale 2025

Twelve postgraduate researchers took part in the Threesis Grand Finale 2025, sharing the story of their research in just three minutes, using only three slides, in front of three judges and a live voting audience.

First Place – Kevin Murray

“The Endocannabinoid System and Pain: Ancient System, New Frontiers”

Kevin’s talk offered a compelling and accessible insight into a lesser‑known biological system and its significant potential to transform approaches to pain treatment. Following his win, Kevin went on to represent the University of Galway at the IUA Three Minute Thesis National Final.

“Threesis as a competition offers PhD students the chance to branch out and explore the importance of their own research within the wider University of Galway community. It's an opportunity to make new connections, enhance public speaking skills, and draw inspiration from all of the impactful research that goes on here at the University.”

Second Place – Maryam Arif

“Deadly Cargo, Smart Delivery”

An innovative drug delivery strategy with the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment.

Third Place – Eléa Thuilier

“Augmented Reality Video Games for Osteoporosis”

A creative fusion of augmented reality and health sciences aimed at improving outcomes for older patients.

Public Choice Award – Alison Hall

“High Steaks: Reducing Methane Emissions in Cattle Farming”

A dynamic and engaging presentation that strongly resonated with the audience.

The 2025 Grand Finale was judged by Louise McCormack (Threesis 2024 Winner), Deirdre Giblin, VP of Operations & Site Lead at Datavant Ireland, and Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Galway. The event was hosted by Dr Jessamyn Fairfield.

Threesis Grand Finale 2024

Twelve postgraduates took part in the Threesis Grand Finale 2024, sharing the story of their research in just three minutes, using just three slides, in front of three judges and a voting audience.

Winner – Louise McCormack

“Scoring AI for Ethical Trustworthiness”

Louise outlined how her research is helping to shape a future where artificial intelligence is both powerful and ethical.

Threesis Grand Finale 2022

The winner and audience choice recipient of Threesis 2022 was Victoria Ward, an anatomy student from the College of Medicine, for her presentation “Heart Attacks and Hydrogel Heroes.” Supported by the O’Duffy Lab, Victoria’s research investigates the mechanical properties of hyaluronic acid hydrogels and how they can reinforce and regenerate damaged heart tissue following myocardial infarction. Her work is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the AMBER Centre Project.

Second Place – Rosy Polisicchio

“Tumours play hide and seek; how do we win?”

Rosy’s research focuses on creating luminescent compounds that selectively accumulate in cancer cells. She was supported by the Hardiman Scholarship and funded by the Irish Research Council.

Third Place – Mai Alharthy

“Assessing Everyday Memory in Arabic Populations with Brain Injuries”

Mai’s research explored the cultural adaptation of an English memory assessment tool for Arabic‑speaking populations.

Threesis Grand Finale 2019

Sam Afoullouss won Threesis 2019 and secured the Audience Winner prize for his presentation “Ireland’s Deep Sea Pharmacy.” Sam is a PhD candidate in the School of Chemistry and School of Natural Sciences, working with the Ryan Institute and Marine Institute. His research explores new medicines derived from marine organisms and is funded by Science Foundation Ireland.

Second Place – Ríona Walsh

“Into the Woods: Can Woodland Creatures Protect Us from Lyme Disease?”

Ríona’s transdisciplinary research investigates the ecology, epidemiology and awareness of Lyme disease in Ireland.

Third Place – Tianming Yao

“Shaking off Romantic Shackles”

Tianming’s research examined the media construction of sexuality and the regulation of bodies and emotions through social structures.

Threesis Grand Finale 2018

James Blackwell won Threesis 2018 for his presentation “Finding Brain Tumours Using Ultrasound.” James went on to represent the University of Galway at FameLab in 2019.

Threesis Grand Finale 2016

Bárbara Oliveira won Threesis 2016 for her presentation on microwave breast imaging to enable more accessible and affordable cancer screening. Bárbara later became a runner‑up in Thesis‑in‑3 and a finalist in ResearchFest 2017.

Threesis Grand Finale 2015

Paul Mannion won Threesis 2015 for his presentation on the “GEEC 2.0 – Galway Energy Efficient Car Design and Development” project, which aimed to improve fuel efficiency through enhanced aerodynamic design.

Threesis Grand Finale 2014

Edel Browne, a first‑year biotechnology student, won Threesis 2014 for her presentation “Free Feet.” Her work demonstrated an innovative use of laser technology to improve treatment for freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Threesis Grand Finale 2013

James Curry, a PhD student at the Moore Institute, won Threesis 2013 for his research on visual imagery in the early 20th century, focusing on political cartoons used during the 1913 Lockout.

Threesis Grand Finale 2012

Dr Ronán Hennessy of the Ryan Institute received first prize for his presentation “Making Time for Old Lines.” His work involved developing an online, Google Earth‑based tool to visualise the creation and destruction of Ireland’s railways.